Jim,

Thank you so much. I am not convinced of anything, because these records are so hard to track. The Missouri Russell Hill you site could refer to my GG Uncle, because an Ellen Tracy born in KY is living in Missouri in 1850 and my Russell marries an Ellen Tracy who is born in KY. It's more of a coincidence than a confirmation, if you know what I mean, but it doesn't rule it out. I am more puzzled by the tombstone reference....to the second cavalry and that 1890 McMinn County census (Special Schedule for Surviving Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines, and Widows, for the 9th and 16th districts, dted June 1890).

On that census, my GG Grandfather Stephen Hill is listed as having served as a private in the USA 9th TN Cavalry, Company C and 4 names down is my GG Uncle Russell B Hill--listed as having served as a private but the Company, Regiment, and dates of enlisment and discharge are all blank. There are 2 other men for whom the information is also blank--John H. Carter and and B. Erwin. I am guessing that is because these 3 were confederate soldiers and the other names on this list were union soldiers...but that's only a guess.... Thank you again.